Get Screened for Colon Cancer
By Stephanie Ezzell, Alliance Endoscopy Center, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
Alliance Endoscopy Center located in Metairie is a state-of-the-art ambulatory endoscopy center that provides gastroenterology, colorectal and pain management services. This premier facility is staffed by gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons and has an experienced staff of highly regarded nurses. Patient care is their priority, and comfort and privacy is standard practice.
A wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies and other procedures are performed at the center. Among the list of procedures, the most common procedure is the colonoscopy. The American Medical Association recommends a colon screening at age 50 and at various intervals thereafter depending on the family history, risk factors and other symptoms. Also, patients with a family history of colon cancer or polyps or other risk factors should start screening at an earlier age. If you have risk factors you should discuss them with your family physician and ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist for a consultation. The colonoscopy is a safe and painless procedure. It has gained wide acceptance as the gold standard for colon cancer prevention.
Colon cancer is treatable and curable when detected early.
Medicare and some insurance companies do not charge a co-pay or deductible for a screening colonoscopy; however, if a screening detects cancer or pre-cancerous cells, the procedure may then become subject to a co-payment and deductible. The staff will verify your insurance benefits in advance and discuss them with you prior to your procedure.
Alliance Endoscopy’s mission is to provide quality outpatient health care with respects to patients, staff and community, with positive outcomes in the most safe and cost effective manner. Patient care is their priority, and comfort and privacy is the standard practice at Alliance Endoscopy Center. We are located at 3717 Houma Blvd., Suite 200, Metairie. Covered patient parking is adjacent to the center. For more information call 504-885-7676.
